Tired of the cold outside? Check out these indoor activities
When Jack Frost’s chill bears down, there’s only so much bundling up you can do. The last thing both kids and adults want to resemble is the mobility challenged, overly wrapped kid in “A Christmas Story.”
So some seek solace in indoor activities, ways to get outdoor-style action with the luxury and comfort of indoor heating. Obviously it’s nothing new as cosmic bowling alleys, roller rinks and other attractions have been luring folks in from the cold for years. But the following offer somewhat unique experiences for those looking for indoor fun.
SUWANEE
Tee Glow Mini-Golf
The beauty of mini-golf is both kids and adults can appreciate the challenge as well as its stroke of whimsy. Yet even the most die-hard mini-golfers may stay off the course in the dead of winter. Those folks can retreat to this 18-hole indoor option with a day-glow gimmick. Game play takes place when the lights go out with a course illuminated by glow-in-the-dark obstacles coated with a slathering of brilliant paint. A neon-like boat, lighthouse and looping track are among the features. Even the holes, clubs and balls glimmer in the black. Those looking for a break from the darkness can retreat to an intimate video game arcade. And birthday party packages can turn a round of goofy golf into an event that might radiate memories down the road.
1-7 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays; 1-10 p.m. Fridays; 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturdays; noon-6 p.m. Sundays. Tee Glow Mini-Golf, 686 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Suwanee. 770-271-5833, www.teeglow.com.
KENNESAW
Escalade Rock Climbing Gym
Rock climbers who want to hone their chops in time for spring and those who simply want a little go-and-do diversity ascend the walls at this facility. Before scaling your way into adventure, the staff can help you strap into a safety harness for a variety of climbing experiences. The place claims to have the largest bouldering wall in the metro area, which measures two stories. Bouldering is a rock-climbing style performed without a rope or harness. Unleash that inner Spider-Man with Escalade’s 80 feet of continuous roof climbing. Other amenities include a 30-foot chimney climb, a campus wall, repel tower and two angle wall slabs. Kids overflowing with additional energy can burn it in the playground area where a slide, tunnel and monkey cage reside. Escalade offers birthday parties, summer camp opportunities, circus-style aerial dance lessons and more. Climbing classes are available for both kids, ages 6 and older, and adults ($20 per class). Its “climbtime,” or open climbing hours, are from noon to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Guests score as much as six hours of climbing, and gear rental is included. Family Night takes place from 6 to 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. The $15 per person charge includes three hours of climbing, harness rental, pizza and a helping hand from the staff guides. College students take advantage of a Wednesday night special, which offers discounts. It’s $8 for females and $10 for males with a valid student I.D. A special bouldering competition open to all who are interested takes place from 6 to 9 p.m. on January 28. It’s free to watch, and guests can nosh on complimentary food and watch an aerial silks performance.
2-10 p.m. Mondays-Fridays; 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturdays; noon-6 p.m. Sundays. Escalade Rock Climbing Gym, 3694 Kennesaw South Industrial Drive, Kennesaw. 770-794-1575, www.escaladegym.com.
ALPHARETTA
KangaZoom
Tameka Raymond, celebrity stylist and former Mrs. Usher, held the grand opening of this indoor play place not two weeks after the blast of Snowpocalypse. Timing couldn’t be better now that some parents may be making a checklist of indoor options as a break from both the cold and cabin fever. As a mother herself, Raymond obviously knows what parents are looking for. Loading the space with bouncing inflatables, looming slides and obstacle courses she handpicked herself, Raymond and her staff offer the typical open jump scenario found at similar establishments. Both kids and parents can dive in together. Birthday parties are a staple, too. Yet the specialty classes are what set KangZoom apart from some of the competition. Fitness classes incorporate pilates, dance and yoga into one kid-friendly package. Parent’s have the opportunity to drop off children ages 3 to 7 during a special Mom’s Morning Out session from 9 a.m. until noon on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Kids ages 6 months to 7 years can bond with their parents in a movement and music class dubbed KangaMusic. Parents and caregivers who’d rather kick back while the kids bound about can soak up some television or shop at an in-house version of Raymond’s Estella Boutique. Work-from-home parents break out their computers in Laptop Lane and utilize the free wireless Internet service.
9 a.m.-6 p.m. Sundays-Thursdays; 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. $5.25 ages 1 and younger; $8.25 ages 2 and older; $40-$60 10 visit jump pass; free for adults; call for class and special event pricing. KangaZoom, 5530 Windward Parkway, Alpharetta. 770-772-0552, www.kangazoomparty.com.
